Redefining Golf Entertainment: An ‘OuttaBounds’ Conversation with Jason Roach

By Mike Orloff, Golf Industry Central

The off-course golf boom in Australia continues to gather momentum, driven by a growing appetite for inclusive, high-tech, and family-friendly entertainment options.

Leading the charge in Perth, Western Australia is OuttaBounds Australia’s premier golf entertainment hub.

Already equipped with Inrange tracking technology, illuminated outfield targets, nine indoor simulators, augmented reality darts, and an expansive food and beverage setup, OuttaBounds recently expanded its footprint with the launch of a bespoke 14-hole SHANX mini-golf course featuring dual-pin locations and an integrated central playground designed for all ages.

I sat down with PGA Member Jason Roach, General Manager of OuttaBounds, to discuss operational strategies, facility expansion plans, and their mission to reshape golf entertainment.

Mike Orloff (MO): Jason, congratulations on the launch of the new SHANX mini-golf course. OuttaBounds was already setting a benchmark in Perth with its 18 outdoor driving bays featuring Inrange ball-tracking technology, illuminated LED targets, nine indoor simulators, and AR darts.

What was the main motivator behind adding mini golf to the site?

Jason Roach (JR): Prior to me joining the team as general manager role eight months ago, the staff initially thought we were selling a driving range or traditional golf product. We had to change and completely redefine what we were selling, and shifted that mindset entirely toward selling fun, entertainment, and shared experiences. Our core vision is to become ‘Australia’s best golf entertainment venue’.

To get there, we needed to diversify. While our early morning crowd consists of golfing purists dialling in club distances or working on their swings, our afternoon and evening trade shifts heavily toward groups, families, and casual players seeking social entertainment. Adding SHANX mini golf allows us to appeal directly to families, date nights, and anxious beginners who feel too intimidated to step onto a traditional golf course. Combining outdoor driving ranges, simulators, AR darts, mini golf, a playground, and hospitality under one roof completes the picture as a multi-activity destination.”

MO: Development projects of this scale at existing facilities always come with operational and administrative hurdles. What processes did you have to go through during the planning and approval stages with local councils and stakeholders?

JR: The site historically operated as a traditional grass driving range, putting green, and chipping area – where Australian tour pros like Min Woo Lee and Minjee Lee actually practiced during their childhood. Because the land was already designated for range use, transitioning the facility into a modern entertainment hub did not require a major change-of-use permit from local government.

Our ongoing relationship with the local council is positive. Local councils in Western Australia have historically been much more commercially savvy regarding golf assets. Much like the blueprint established at Wembley Golf Course years ago, reinvesting in council-leased golf land substantially improved the municipal bottom line. We regularly draw regional visitors who drive over 40 minutes past competing facilities to get here, directly boosting the local government area’s economy and visitation.”

MO: The layout here is quite unique – specifically the decision to build a 14-hole course with an integrated playground rather than a standard 18-hole track. What are the current results and community feedback since opening the doors?

JR: The feedback from families and corporate groups has been outstanding. Drawing from prior experience at previous venues, we deliberately chose a 14-hole layout paired with a central, fully enclosed kids’ playground over a traditional 18-hole course. Customer metrics consistently show that young children lose interest, crash from sugar rushes, and become frustrated during those final four holes of an 18-hole course, making it challenging for parents.

From an operational and revenue perspective, a 14-hole design accommodates modern, time-poor consumers by shortening gameplay to roughly 45 minutes instead of an hour and fifteen minutes. Saving those 30 minutes translated directly into families spending more time in our hospitality areas ordering meals and drinks and watching live sport, which significantly boosts our ancillary spend and allow the time to provide a greater overall experience at our venue.

We also wanted to move from outdated, punishing obstacles like windmills or plastic clowns to a more modern layout. By partnering with SHANX to create a premium, contoured design with synthetic astroturf bunkering, we create engaging contours that yield satisfying ‘ooh-ah’ moments and achievable hole-in-ones, leaving families wanting to return and kids counting their hole in ones. Parents also love sitting back in the beer garden with line-of-sight supervision while their kids play safely.” They end up wanting to play when they see the fun their kids are having!

MO: Mini-golf, driving ranges, and simulator lounges are fast becoming the modern gateway into golf. How does SHANX fit into the bigger picture and future vision for OuttaBounds?

JR: It serves as the foundation for our broader multi-activity model. Modern consumers want to shed restrictive golf traditions – mandatory collared shirts, rigid scorecards, and slow play – and instead want to enjoy golf socially at their own pace in comfortable clothes.

Technology plays a massive role in that pathway.

On the range, our Inrange software automatically adjusts target parameters based on selected difficulty levels so beginners and pros can compete fairly in the same bay.

Indoors, we feature a world-first integration combining Foresight Sports precision data for purists alongside Inrange arcade games like ‘Destroyer’ for casual groups and virtual golf courses such as St Andrews and Pebble Beach. Combined with our AR darts, music and automated restaurant delivery robots, we keep guests on-site for up to four hours immersing themselves in a fun experience for corporate functions, group events, families and friends

Looking ahead, we are reviewing a master plan to extend our offerings by constructing additional hitting bays and expanding corporate function spaces. We are also breaking ground on a new gable roof over our beer garden with ambient heating/cooling and massive TV screens to create a 360-degree viewing hub.

Facility Overview: OuttaBounds

• Mini Golf: 14-hole bespoke SHANX course with dual-pin green design & integrated playground.
• Driving Range: 18 bays featuring Inrange tracking technology, illuminated LED target shows, live Fox Sports TVs, and private lounge seating.
• Indoor Sports: 9 dual-software simulators (Foresight Falcon + Inrange) & Augmented Reality Darts (501 Fun).
• Hospitality: Classic pub menu with bold Asian-inspired twists, automated delivery robots, 30+ live sports screens, and a 300-capacity event space.